Abstract: A gas and liquid phase separator apparatus and an apparatus for energy production based on fuel cells within the phase separator.

Abstract: A coupler for a spiral membrane filtration element having a spiral membrane enclosed within a rigid outerwrap includes a center support, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the center support, a circular rim coupled with the spokes, with the face of the rim being perpendicular to the axis of the overwrap. The rim includes a channel on its face for receiving a compressible seal, and a plurality of receptacles around its outer surface for joining two face-to-face adjacent couplers when a pair of aligned keepers is place in each receptacle. Exemplary embodiments of the coupler and filtration elements and filtration assemblies are provided, as well as an associated method.

Abstract: A membrane module for hydrogen separation includes a stack of flat membrane packs disposed adjacent one another so as not to exert a force on one another and a rotationally symmetrical pressure shell enclosing the stack of flat membrane packs. A feed space for a reformate gas is disposed between every two membrane packs in the stack. Each membrane pack has a pair of membrane assemblies and a support structure disposed therebetween and each membrane assembly includes a hydrogen-selective flat membrane supported by at least one membrane frame.

Abstract: A DDR type zeolite membrane formed on a substrate includes silica as a main component. The DDR type zeolite membrane separates at least one type of a gas component from a mixed gas containing at least two types of gases selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), normal butane (n-C4H10), isobutane (i-C4H10), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), propane (C3H8), propylene (C3H6), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen monoxide (NO). Each single gas permeance at room temperature and 100° C. are different, respectively, in order to separate at least one selected gas component from the mixed gas.

Abstract: A metal-coated, wire-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane that is permeable only to protons and hydrogen is disclosed. The metal-coated, wire-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane has a surface microstructure that prevents cracking of the metal coating during hydration. The metal-coated, wire-reinforced polymer electrolyte membrane can be used in liquid-type fuel cells to prevent crossover of fuel, gas and impurities.

Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.

Abstract: This invention provides a DDR type zeolite membrane, characterized in that it is formed as a membrane on a substrate and its main component is silica, and that each single gas permeance at room temperature and 100° C. are different, respectively among at least two types of gases selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), normal butane (n-C4H10), isobutane (i-C4H10), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), propane (C3H8), propylene (C3H6), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen monoxide (NO).

Abstract: Hydrogen purification devices, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane. The device components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the at least one membrane and/or which are formed from an alloy comprising nickel and copper. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of a support for the at least one membrane, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A compact hydrogen purification module capable of affording high-grade purified hydrogen, easy assembly and easy control of size is disclosed. The module includes a plurality of unit cells. Each of the unit cells includes two metal membranes permeable only by hydrogen, a metal support ring attached between the metal membranes by diffusion bonding to support the metal membranes, and having a radial hole to allow hydrogen to flow therethrough, a porous plate disposed between the metal membranes to allow the hydrogen to flow therethrough, and a fitting coupled to the metal support ring and having a hole communicating with the hole of the metal support ring to allow the hydrogen to flow therethrough. The individual fittings are connected to each other so that hydrogen collected in the individual fittings is discharged through a hydrogen product line.

Abstract: A microchannel contactor and methods of contacting substances in microchannel apparatus are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes formed from polyester-polyether block copolymers which are useful for separating gases from gas mixtures. The membranes and processes are especially suited for separating polar gases from mixtures that contain polar and non-polar species. The novel membranes exhibit good permeability and permselectivity as well as durability, making them well suited for industrial applications such as removal of acid gases from natural gas and removal of carbon dioxide from synthesis gas.

Abstract: A device for protecting medical apparatus from contamination by infectious agents comprises a containment body having an inlet (5) destined to be set in fluid communication with an extracorporeal circuit (3) of blood, and an outlet (6) destined to be connected to a fluid line operatively connected to a pressure gauge of a medical apparatus (4). The inlet (5) is in gas communication with the outlet (6) across an internal cavity (11) of the containment body. Two hydrophobic membranes (12, 13) are predisposed in the containment body between the inlet (5) and the outlet (6). The membranes (12, 13) each define an anticontamination barrier which is gas-permeable. The device transmits the pressure of the extracorporeal circuit to the pressure gauge, with no relevant loss of head, while at the same time protecting, with a high degree of security, the medical apparatus (4) from risks of contamination by pathogens originating in the extracorporeal circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the effective utilization of a used catalyst containing at least molybdenum, an A element (at least one element selected from the group consisting of phosphorus and arsenic) and an X element (at least one element selected from the group consisting of potassium, rubidium and cesium), and provides a process for producing a catalyst, which comprises dispersing said used catalyst in water, adding thereto an alkali metal compound and/or ammonia solution, adjusting the resulting mixture to pH 6.5 or less to generate a precipitate containing at least molybdenum and the A element, and using the precipitate as a material for catalyst-constituting elements.

Abstract: Existing plate-type heat exchangers typically include plates that are constructed of metal or paper, which are only capable of transferring a limited amount of moisture, if any, from one side of the plate to the other side. The present invention is a plate-type heat exchanger wherein the plates are constructed of ionomer membranes, such as sulfonated or carboxylated polymer membranes, which are capable of transferring a significant amount of moisture from one side of the membrane to the other side. Incorporating such ionomer membranes into a plate-type heat exchanger provides the heat exchanger with the ability to transfer a large percentage of the available latent heat in one air stream to the other air streams. The ionomer membrane plates are, therefore, more efficient at transferring latent heat than plates constructed of metal or paper.

Abstract: A stack of plates (121) (such as fuel cells, electrochemical cells, or enthalpy exchange plates) is surrounded by a sleeve manifold (119) which is shaped to provide manifold chambers (34-39; 146-149; 151-153; 156-158; 161-163; 180-187), and including surfaces (142) for seals (143) to isolate the manifold chambers from each other. Sleeve manifolds (119a, 119b, 119c) may be formed of material of varying thickness, by machining, casting, or extrusion, or may be formed of material (119d) of uniform thickness by bending, casting or extrusion. Sleeve manifolds may be formed of metal, graphite, plastic or reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A device and method for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. A first substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing hydrogen is provided and spaced from a second substantially gas impervious solid electron-conducting membrane for selectively passing oxygen. When steam is passed between the two membranes at disassociation temperatures the hydrogen from the disassociation of steam selectively and continuously passes through the first membrane and oxygen selectively and continuously passes through the second membrane, thereby continuously driving the disassociation of steam producing hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments includes at least one membrane envelope that includes a pair of generally opposed membrane regions that define a harvesting conduit therebetween and which are separated by a support. The enclosure includes components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the membrane or membranes. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the support, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A venting device that reduces the moisture of an enclosure containing a heat source and prevents the entrance of water or other liquids and contamination from entering the enclosure. The moisture reducing device comprises a drying agent or desiccant which is adjacent to said heat source (such as an automotive headlamp bulb or thermally cycling device), an air-impermeable, water-vapor permeable layer, a vent that allows bulk flow of air during thermal cycling of the heat source and a internal diffusion tube or channel that limits the entrance of moisture vapor from the external atmosphere to the drying agent or desiccant. The air-impermeable, water vapor permeable layer allows for continuous diffusion of water vapor, reducing the moisture in the enclosure when the heat source is de-energized. The location of the device to the heat source regenerates the drying agent in the device when the heat source is energized.

Abstract: A halide gas separating and collecting device for separating and collecting halide gas from mixed gas containing the halide gas, wherein at least first and second stage separating membrane modules are stacked in multiple stages. The method comprises: feeding the mixed gas to the inlet of the first stage separating membrane module, feeding the gas passed through the previous separating membrane module to the inlets of the second and subsequent stage separating membrane modules, recycling the gas unpassed through the second and subsequent stage separating membrane modules to the inlet of the first stage separating membrane module, and controlling the flow of gas unpassed through the first stage separating membrane module by a control valve connected to the unpassed gas outlet of the first stage separating membrane module, whereby the halide gas can be separated and collected as unpassed gas at a high density and a high collection rate.

Abstract: Existing plate-type heat exchangers typically include plates that are constructed of metal or paper, which are only capable of transferring a limited amount of moisture, if any, from one side of the plate to the other side. The present invention is a plate-type heat exchanger wherein the plates are constructed of ionomer membranes, such as sulfonated or carboxylated polymer membranes, which are capable of transferring a significant amount of moisture from one side of the membrane to the other side. Incorporating such ionomer membranes into a plate-type heat exchanger provides the heat exchanger with the ability to transfer a large percentage of the available latent heat in one air stream to the other air streams. The ionomer membrane plates are, therefore, more efficient at transferring latent heat than plates constructed of metal or paper.

Abstract: Gas separation membranes, especially meniscus-shaped membranes for gas separations are disclosed together with the use of such meniscus-shaped membranes for applications such as thermal gas valves, pre-concentration of a gas stream, and selective pre-screening of a gas stream. In addition, a rapid screening system for simultaneously screening polymer materials for effectiveness in gas separation is provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen diffusion cell that is used to purify contaminated hydrogen gas. The hydrogen diffusion cell has a supply tube that supplies contaminated hydrogen gas into a confined area and a drain tube that removes contaminated hydrogen gas from the confined area. Hydrogen permeable coils are disposed between the supply tube and the drain tube. The hydrogen permeable coils surround a perforated output tube that draws in any hydrogen gas that diffuses through the hydrogen permeable coils. The presence and position of the output tube prevent any significant lateral movement of hydrogen gas within the diffusion cell.

Abstract: Metal oxides particularly useful for the manufacture of catalytic membranes for gas-phase oxygen separation processes having the formula: AxA′x′A″2-(x+x′)ByFey′B″2-(y+y′)O5+z where: x and x′ are greater than 0; y and y′ are greater than 0; x+x′ is equal to 2; y+y′ is less than or equal to 2; z is a number that makes the metal oxide charge neutral; A is an element selected from the lanthanide elements; A′ is an element selected from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra; A″ is an element selected from the f block lanthanides, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra; B is an element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In or mixtures thereof and B″ is Co or Mg, with the exception that when B″ is Mg, A′ and A″ are not Mg. The metal oxides are useful for preparation of dense membranes which may be formed from dense thin films of the mixed metal oxide on a porous metal oxide element.

Abstract: A fluid separation assembly having a fluid permeable membrane and a wire mesh membrane adjacent the fluid permeable membrane, wherein the wire mesh membrane supports the fluid permeable membrane and is coated with an intermetallic diffusion barrier. The barrier may be a thin film containing at least one of a nitride, oxide, boride, silicide, carbide and aluminide. Several fluid separation assemblies can be used in a module to separate hydrogen from a gas mixture containing hydrogen.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments includes at least one membrane envelope that includes a pair of generally opposed membrane regions that define a harvesting conduit therebetween and which are separated by a support. The enclosure includes components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the membrane or membranes. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the support, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification device, components thereof, and fuel processors and fuel cell system containing the same. The hydrogen purification devices include an enclosure that contains a separation assembly adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. The separation assembly includes at least one hydrogen-permeable and/or hydrogen-selective membrane, and in some embodiments includes at least one membrane envelope that includes a pair of generally opposed membrane regions that define a harvesting conduit therebetween and which are separated by a support. The enclosure includes components that are formed from materials having similar or the same coefficients of thermal expansion as the membrane or membranes. In some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the support, and in some embodiments, these components include at least a portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen separation device comprising a housing, in which a membrane body separates a first chamber from a second chamber. The membrane body comprises several first channels and several second channels. The channels are arranged in the housing in such a way that their ends on one side of the membrane body are exposed to the first chamber, while their ends on the other side of the membrane body are exposed to the second chamber. In all first channels, the ends exposed to the first chamber are open, and the ends exposed to the second chamber are closed. In all second channels, the ends exposed to the first chamber are closed, and the ends exposed to the second chamber are open. The walls of the channels are formed by an oxygen transport membrane of the membrane body.

Abstract: A hydrogen diffusion cell that is used to purify contaminated hydrogen gas. The hydrogen diffusion cell has a supply tube that supplies contaminated hydrogen gas into a confined area and a drain tube that removes contaminated hydrogen gas from the confined area. Hydrogen permeable coils are disposed between the supply tube and the drain tube. The coils include at least one small diameter coil. Concentrically surrounding the small diameter coil is at least one larger diameter coil. All coils are mounted in such a manner so that they maintain a constant radius of curvature along their entire lengths.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating.

Abstract: A downhole preferential hydrocarbon gas recovery system and method employ preferentially selective materials to separate the hydrocarbon gas from contaminants. According to one aspect of the invention, the preferentially selective materials are arranged in tubes with the hydrocarbon gas flowing through the tubes and the contaminants permeating out through the preferentially selective material.

Abstract: An oxygen selective ion transport membrane is integrated with a boiler furnace to generate steam and, optionally, high purity oxygen and nitrogen. The heat required to drive the system is obtained by the combustion of an oxygen transported through the oxygen selective ion transport membrane with a high BTU fuel such as methane or natural gas. NOx compound formation is minimized either by utilizing a combustion products diluted air/fuel mixture for combustion in the boiler furnace or by limiting combustion to a mixture of oxygen and a fuel.

Abstract: A mixed gas concentration regulating method and a concentration regulating apparatus, in which the maintenance of the recovery of an easily permeable gas and the restraint of the power expense are compatible.

Abstract: A structural arrangement for NOx sensors including a first selectively oxygen ion-conductive layer and a second gas-permeable, nonconductive layer, the latter having a porous spinel structure or porous platinum. The oxygen ion-conductive layer made from a mixed-conductive ceramic can have an additional layer of a material which is catalytically inactive to NOx.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating.

Abstract: A membrane module for selective gas separation includes one or more separation units stacked one on the other, and at least one of interposed frame plates or stack-end frame plates. Each separation unit includes a support plate with a separation gas receiving structure and at least one corresponding gas separating membrane. The frame plates having a gas mixture flow chamber structure. Each separating unit and the frame plates contain (1) gas-mixture connecting channel structures in a first and a second side area formed by overlapping openings in the plates and extending in a stacking direction, which are in fluid connection with the gas mixture flow chamber structures; and (2) separation gas connection channel structures in a third and fourth side area, which are in fluid connection with the separation gas receiving structure or structures.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating.

Abstract: A water vapor movement control apparatus that provides a directional property to movement of water vapor between two spaces with different humidity levels, is provided with an insulated channel connecting the first space with the second space, a plurality of chambers formed in the channel by a plurality of moisture-permeable membranes which are waterproof and air permeable, and a Peltier element that creates a temperature gradient so that the air in the chambers is always at lower temperature toward the second space end, wherein the middle moisture-permeable membrane among the plurality of moisture-permeable membranes forms an approximately conical shape, and the parameter (moisture permeability)×(air permeability) of each of the plurality of moisture-permeable membranes decreases for the moisture-permeable membranes toward the second space end, so that water vapor in the first space is moved into the second space.

Abstract: Pervaporation or vapor permeation apparatus and method having a separator module located in an unpressurized tank. The module has a plurality of stacked, disk-like separator elements mounted on a central, axial permeate removal tube. The separator elements have a central permeate transport plate, a pervaporation membrane enveloping the permeate transport plate and annular sealing rings located between adjacent membranes, so that fluid has to pass through the membranes to enter the permeate removal tube. A vacuum applied to the permeate removal tube draws permeate through the pervaporation membranes and permeate transport plates into the permeate removal tube. The permeate can be condensed right in the permeate removal tube by direct contact condensation using chilled liquid permeate, however an external condenser can be used. Jets of solution or bubbles of permeate vapor passing between the separator elements reduce or prevent concentration polarization.

Abstract: A fuel storage system is provided including a storage tank, an exhaust port, a filter system, a primary pump, and at least one secondary pump. The storage tank includes a fuel delivery port, a fluid vent port, and a pollutant return port. The filter system includes a filter input port coupled to the fluid vent port, a fuel vapor duct, and primary and secondary filter output ports. The fuel vapor duct defines a flow path extending from the filter input port to the primary filter output port. The primary filter output port is coupled to the pollutant return port. At least a portion of the fuel vapor duct forms a permeable partition designed to pass a non-pollutant component of fluid within the fuel vapor duct through the permeable partition and designed to inhibit passage of a pollutant component of fluid within the fuel vapor duct through the partition. The secondary filter output port is partitioned from the fuel vapor duct by the air-permeable partition and is coupled to the exhaust port.

Abstract: A gas passage (1) with a selectively acting penetration surface consisting of quartz, quartz glass, Pyrex glass or the like; in order to provide penetration surfaces which are relatively thin on the one hand but will withstand relatively great pressure differences on the other, it is proposed that the selectively acting penetration surface take the form of a plurality of adjacent windows (5).

Abstract: In a device for filtering and separating fluids, a plurality of disc-like spaced flow guide elements are disposed in a stack in spaced relationship with filter elements disposed in the spaces between the flow guide elements to which fluid can be supplied through inlet openings to flow over the surfaces of the filter elements. Each flow guide element defines at one end a flow opening for the passage of fluid and at least one channel formed in the flow guide element so as to extend adjacent the opening in a direction transverse to the flow of the fluid from the opening into the space between the flow guide elements to promote fluid flow distribution over the width of the flow path through the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a permeation installation comprising:

Abstract: One of these devices comprises: a reaction with cold plasma (10b), for producing the reforming of a primary mixture consisting of fuel gas (hydrocarbon or alcohol), as well as oxygen and/or water vapor, thus producing a secondary mixture containing in particular hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; an intake piece (18) for mixing these constituents, co-operating with a burner (42) and an associated combustion chamber (40) to bring the resulting primary mixture to a high temperature, before it is introduced into the reaction chamber (10a); a ring-shaped chimney (48) enclosing this chamber for maintaining it at a relatively high temperature; a high frequency alternating high voltage source (58), modulated by brief periodical low frequency pulses and electrodes (62-66) for generating silent discharges, in the reaction chamber (10b) thus generating a cold plasma producing a high chemical reactivity to the gas mixture present; a membrane (12) with high selective permeability for extracting the nascent hyd

Abstract: A method for removing and preventing discharge into the atmosphere of carbon dioxide from combustion gases and natural gas from installations for production of oil and/or gas, wherein the combustion gas is passed to an absorber containing a solvent, where carbon dioxide is absorbed in the solvent, and the thereby purified combustion gas, largely free of carbon dioxide, is released into the atmosphere, where the CO2 rich solvent is passed to a desorber where CO2 is removed from the solvent, and the thereby largely CO2-free solvent is recycled to the absorber, and the separated CO2 gas is passed to a compression stage for compression and utilization and/or disposal in a suitable manner, where membrane gas/liquid contactors are employed in both the absorber and the desorber, and that an external stripping steam is supplied to the desorber.

Abstract: An improved plate-and-frame assembly selectively transfers a fluid component from one fluid stream to another fluid stream. In a preferred embodiment, a plate-and-frame humidity exchanger with unitary plates and seals transfers water vapor and heat between two fluid streams.

Abstract: A spiral wound type membrane element is formed by superposing gas-liquid contact membranes on both surfaces of a first fluid passage forming member, superposing a second fluid passage forming member on the surface of one of the gas-liquid contact membranes and spirally winding the gas-liquid contact membranes around a second fluid supply pipe along with the first fluid passage forming member and the second fluid passage forming member. A side portion on the inner peripheral side and a side portion on the outer peripheral side of a first fluid passage formed by the first fluid passage forming member between the gas-liquid contact membranes are sealed. Both end portions of a second fluid passage formed by the second fluid passage forming member between the gas-liquid contact membranes are sealed. The spiral wound type membrane element is stored inside a cylindrical container. The gas-liquid contact membranes are formed by PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) porous membranes having hydrophobicity.

Abstract: A gas separation membrane device comprising an internally staged permeator containing a three dimensional array of hollow fiber membranes grouped into multiple sets in intimate contact with each other is described. The incorporation of the internally staged permeator, particularly, the arrangement of the multiple sets of fiber membranes in intimate contact with each other, results in improved efficiency of the device, especially for feed streams or membrane types that lead to high permeate flow rate that result in excessive shellside pressure drops.

Abstract: A process for reducing pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides from combustion gases during a combustion process that takes place while oxygen is supplied, includes providing oxygen needed for the combustion process by separating oxygen from a gas mixture containing oxygen and nitrogen in a two-step process including (a) enriching the gas mixture with oxygen in a first step to provide an enriched gas mixture; and (b) separating oxygen out of the enriched gas mixture in a second step, wherein, during at least one step oxygen depleted gas mixture is removed via an outlet provided with permeability means that cause the outlet to have a higher permeability for nitrogen than oxygen.

Abstract: A novel spiral membrane arrangement is disclosed comprising opposing elongate filtration membrane units, spiraled about a base axis and separated by a novel lattice separator having spaced apart elongate primary laths which form fluid passageways, bridged by cross laths arranged to form a plurality of fluid shears spaced along the passageways which divide, deflect and/or disrupt gross fluid flow through the passageway, directing fluid against the membrane surface and creating a self cleaning functionality which improves the efficiency and the life of the life of the membrane arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a miniaturizable separation module (dehumidifier, humidifier) utilizing the gas separation property of waterproof membranes having fine moisture-permeable through holes. The separation module according to the invention comprises: a cylindrical casing 10 installed at the wall of a moisture-proof and drip-proof box 4, so as to form a gas passage communicating the inside and the outside of the box; a plurality of waterproof membranes 1, 2, 3, having fine moisture-permeable through holes, disposed in the cylindrical casing at intervals of spacing, so as to form chambers 5, 6 in the gas passage; and conductive porous structures disposed in proximity of the waterproof membranes. The longitudinal section of the solid portion around the holes of the conductive porous structure is formed into an essentially egg-like shape, and the acute angle side of the egg-like longitudinal sectional shape is disposed so as to direct to the waterproof membrane.